“P.S. I Love You” Movie Review… (Writing for PR & Promo)

If ever there was a film that could take  you through a roller coaster of emotions of laughing and crying, the romantic comedy “P.S. I Love You” starring Hillary Swank (Million Dollar Baby, Boys Don’t Cry) and Gerard Butler (300, The Ugly Truth) will most certainly tug at the heartstrings.

Based on the 2004 novel of the same name, set in Ireland, by Cecelia Ahern, “P.S. I Love You” tells the endearing story of Holly (Swank) and Gerry (Butler), a happily married couple living in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York. Having met and marrying at a young age against their families approval,  Holly – a beautiful, smart and creative woman with a lot of potential – and Gerry – a quirky, fun, and  passionate Irishman – were perfect for each other in every way possible. So much so that when Gerry’s life is taken by an illness, Holly is sent into a spiraling down into withdrawal from family and friends in depression, denial, and hallucinations. I am actually quite pleased that they did not spend to much time on this portion of the story because if you have lost anyone that you have cared about and most of us have, we get it. However, they do show just enough to append the time that passes from his death until the day of her 30th birthday when her mother and three of her best friends visit to wish her happy birthday only to find the deeply distraught Holly riddled in a mess of tears and three weeks of junk in her apartment.  It was then a cake is delivered for Holly and in it a tape recording from Gerry that tells her he will be sending the first of several letters to come soon that will instruct her to do the things that he has planned in advance while on his death bed. The first message in the recording tells her that she must get out and “celebrate herself.”

Over the weeks, months, and seasons that follow new messages arrive from Gerry that send Holly on a new adventure of both the heartaches of memory lane with Gerry and of the new experiences and encouragement that come with moving forward in life. Each message of course is ended with “P.S. I Love You,”  just in case you did not see that detail coming already. Throughout the movie we embark on Holly’s journey through Gerry’s words that, even though her friends and mother believe are keeping her tied to the past, are slowly helping her push forward to the future and rediscover herself. After one of the letters sends Holly and her two best friends to Ireland, Holly returns home to Manhattan only to retreat back into withdrawal after learning of a couple of secrets her two friends reveal. During her retreat, Holly discovers a new-found self-confidence and flair for designing shoes that  allows her to emerge from her solitude and embrace her friends’ happiness. With her new found discoveries Holly has found that there is in fact life after death.

I would aim to guess that the main target for this film would be couples and women. Most guys probably will not like it, but if they are in a serious relationship and are passionate about who they are with, then I can guarantee that this film will most certainly give the guy more perspective on just how much more he could show the women in his life just how much he cares for them. I found that this movie was very pleasant to watch as the characters really deliver heart-felt performances. As well, I really enjoyed the overall dialogue and cinematography. I highly recommend this movie for the woman looking for a good cry or the couple looking to spend time and appreciate each other in the end. As I said before, be warned, you will cry. Yes, even you gentlemen.

“Six Flags Over Texas” Theme Park Review… (Writing for PR & Promo)

Ever notice that when you take a day off that you really do not have the day off? There is always something to do. In this case my day off-not off took place this past weekend on Saturday. By that I mean, as fun and relaxing as it was, this was my mothers birthday weekend (age withheld to protect the offspring) and the goal of this day was to make sure that this birthday outing was the best she could have had and at the same time I was thinking how I could turn the venture into a review for class. Nothing short of having a great time, the weather was almost perfect, lines were short, people were friendly, and the goals were accomplished.

Allow me to preface that it has been several years since I have actually been back to Six Flags and although a lot has changed over many years, there are a lot of memories and it is much the same as well. This season at Six Flags Over Texas marks the 49th Anniversary of its’ opening since 1960. Apparently, as we discovered, there was a section of the park that was made last year that marked the 48th Anniversary with images of a time passed. It was amazing and memorable to see all those images and the old map of what Six Flags use to be like. Even for myself, I remembered a lot of the rides and events that use to be there from when my mother took me as a kid. For my mother it was a real blast to the past. Ironically not long before we found this section, located near the entrance, going toward the “France” area, we had just finished riding The Runaway Mine Train – a ride that my mother reminisced about having rode on the day of its opening when she was six years old. If nothing else, this outing was a history lesson. In addition, the staff of Six Flags itself were a delight as well. We had the pleasure of conversing with a few while waiting in lines or just general lounging about.

As for the park today? Bigger and better than ever. As stated before, this weekend was the perfect time to have visited. There were hardly any lines at all. I believe our top waiting time was somewhere between 15-30 minutes and I would bank on going with the lowest. The weather having cooled down and a slight breeze in the air made it even more bearable when having to stand in line for rides. On top of all that, people everywhere were very friendly. Patrons were courteous by holding doors, some allowed us to move forward in the line (the “birthday girl” sticker might have had something to do with it), and many were conversational. One particular instance I was very pleased with, while waiting in line for the Superman: Tower of Power, was having a conversation with a few of the younger generation that were about 13-14 years old. Very polite, inquisitive, and full of energy, they reminded me of  myself as a kid visiting Six Flags.

With the exception of a few things that were closed – either undergoing renovations or preparing rides and attractions for the next Six Flags holiday event “Fright Fest” – Six Flags lived up to what a good theme park should be made of – FUN! If it is ever a very busy day when you decide to visit Six Flags Over Texas, I would recommend paying extra to obtain the Flash Pass which allows you to pretty much move straight to the front of the line or receive a return time (depends on the crowds) at which you will be granted immediate access to the ride. Also, do make sure that you secure everything on your person. The park has cracked down on making sure articles that you carry are all secured when riding a lot of the rides. If you have lot of stuff with you, I would recommend renting a locker. It is easier. Oh, and if you are like me and are in constant need of something to drink, invest in the roughly 13 dollars for the Souvenir cup as it allows you to receive free refills on all beverages. Great for constant need of water. Also, should you ever return to the park as well as Six Flags Hurricane Harbor park, and purchase the 99 cent wrist band, you can use the cup again just like the day you purchased it. A good investment for sure.

I do hope that you have an opportunity to visit Six Flags Over Texas before the 2009 Season is over. As for the 2010 year, we were privy to some inside information that there are a lot of special plans for the 50th Anniversary of Six Flags opening. One is that the Texas Giant a massive wooden roller coaster will be shut-down for the entire season to undergo a 10 million dollar renovation. Though, as that could be a disappointment for some, there apparently are a lot more things that will be going on that will make up for its absence.  What are you waiting for? Go have meet the fun that awaits you with thrills and speed that the rides provide as well as good family fun with events and games all around.

“17 Again” Movie Review… (Writing for PR & Promo)

Who says you are only young once? Every wish you were younger or could go back in time and do it all over again? Are there things that you would change?

In “17 Again” the popular high school senior Mike O’Donnell, played by Zac Efron, seemingly has it all. He is the star athlete headed straight for a college basketball scholarship when he decides to give it all up to settle down with his high school girlfriend Scarlet who is pregnant. Twenty years later, an adult Mike, played by Matthew Perry, finds his life is not exactly what he expected it to become and has been in a slump of what could have been. Separated from his wife Scarlett, played by Leslie Mann, and living with his wealthy software-genius-nerd and high school best friend Ned Freedman, played by Thomas Lennon, his career is at a stand still, and relationships with his teenage children are practically nonexistent. After getting passed up for yet another promotion at work, he returns to his high school to reminisce over the life he could have had.

The rest? An old janitor approached Mike while he is visiting his old high school and janitor casually makes conversation asking Mike if would like to do it all over again in which Mike responds with a very committed “you get that right.” After falling into a big whirlpool and a few hours later and Mike finds himself looking into the mirror at the face he had when he was 17. With a fun chase scene and light-saber battle with his best friend who thinks that he is a burglar, they determine that the old janitor was Mike’s  “spirit guide” and that he was given the opportunity to live his life as a teenager again. Going full-force, Mike does not hesitate at the chance to return to his old school to live out the life he could have had and figure out what the real purpose of his transformation was.  As for the rest, you should actually check that out for yourself. However, like most movies of this caliber, it is not without being highly predictable. Just enjoy it for the entertainment that it is.

The movie in itself is actually a great movie. It is also what I would call “cute.” I had rented the DVD from Blockbuster with a coupon that allowed me to get the rental at the same price as a non-new release for five days. I figured “why not?” since I would not be out but a couple of dollars. Getting home, I made sure to have my popcorn (I just love popcorn with movies, what can I say?), and then began the movie thinking that it was going to be to “teeny-bopper,”  with the likes of Zac Efron (star of “High School Musical”) being in it, but I was quite surprised in his ability to act.  Honestly I had no real basis to have thought about Efron in such a light, except that he was a “Disney” star and is popular among the younger teen crowd. Guess I was wrong, since Efron actually does a pretty good job playing an adult role as a teenager.

All-in-all, I would actually highly recommend this movie to rent. It is actually worth the few dollars you spend. I might even go as far to say that it is worth purchasing. It would be suffice to say that if you do not have any high expectations and just want a feel-good drama-comedy, then with a bit of surprise you will find you actually enjoy watching this movie. In the end, you just may be thinking of your byg0ne days.

“Edohana Sushi” Restaurant Review… (Writing for PR & Promo)

Whenever the gods of Greek and Roman mythology spoke of “Ambrosia,” I have always personally believed that they were speaking of sushi and not fruit. Now I know that seems to stretch the idea of what it was and the fact that sushi is a Japanese dish rather than of Greek or Roman. Seriously, almost every culture throughout time has depictions of the people serving fish in a raw form, why would not something so wonderful have at least been part of it? I have to admit, I am a bit biased when it comes to sushi. I mean, I really love it. However, that also means I am quite particular and picky when it comes to choosing where I would indulge in such goodness for the mind, spirit, soul, body and taste buds. Eating sushi is not about filling yourself with raw fish. Eating sushi is an experience–some say a ritual–that involves all your senses. Serious sushi can only be eaten at the bar because that is the only place where you will see the colors, inhale the aromas, share the laughter, and taste the food fully immersed in the environment. Though sometimes, depending on how busy it is, you may have to sit at a table. In either case plan on a one and a half to two hour meal.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with sushi, allow me to provide you with a few simple terms of the Japanese lingo you will encounter. Sushi in America is generally used in a broad term to describe the type of food that it is, however in actuality sushi is vinegar rice aka sushirice, usually topped with other ingredients, such as fish, egg, or vegetables. Sliced raw fish alone is called sashimi, as distinct from sushi. If you want to try and impress your friends when you out next time to show off your knowledge, in the spelling sushi its’ first letter “s” should sometimes be replaced with “z” when a prefix is attached to describe the type of sushi you will be ordering such as nigirizushi which means hand-formed sushi which is the more popular visual of what sushi is. Sushi served rolled inside or around nori (dried and pressed layer sheets of seaweed or algae) is makizushi.

Many people have told me they do not like sushi and I learned that the place where they ate it was far less from ideal. It is sad to think that many people cannot enjoy sushi because of a bad first experience. The usual culprit for this is a combination of lack of tradition in the place where they ate and poorly prepared fish. All fish swim in the ocean, but not all fish are suitable for sushi because how the fish is handled, from the water to the sushi bar, greatly influences its quality.

Now imagine walking in, you greet the itamae (sushi chef) and even if you do not eat at the bar, greet him anyways. The waitress, typically, will bring you an oshibori (hot towel) as sit down at the bar. Wipe your hands with this towel before touching the food or otherwise. If for nothing else, it just feels good. You sit, looking into a long refrigerated case full of some of the most exotic types of fish meat you can imagine. You place your order: Hot agari (green tea, my preference more often than not), miso soup for starters, and a selection of some of the most freshly prepared sushi rolls, sashimi that you will ever have throughout the state of Texas. The place of choice? Edohana Sushi. A small restaurant located in a small strip at 2704 S Hulen Street in Fort Worth, Texas.

In the most traditional and beautifully prepared presentations of geometric shapes or fun animal depictions on occasion (for fun by the itamae when you become a regular), at Edohana the sushi is served on minimalist Japanese-style, geometric, wood or lacquer plates, in keeping with the aesthetic qualities of the cuisine. Typically, as a sushi enthusiast, it is difficult encouraging people to go to a chain restaurant for sushi because honestly a chain will not usually have very good sushi. However, while Edohana belongs to a chain throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, they actually set themselves FAR apart from the rest. While all of the other Edohana establishments are sushi and habachi, Edohana Sushi is just primarily sushi. The staff at Edohana Sushi, with what seem like permanent genuine smiles, are the most friendly and delightful people you will have the pleasure of meeting. They know why you are there and they want to make sure that your experience with them is best that it can be. If it is your first time to visit, let them know and they will take care of you. Become a regular and you will be greeted with firm handshakes, great conversation, and positive energy.

Where many sushi restaurants are overpriced, unpersonalized, and poor quality there stands but a few in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that I would highly recommend as one of the best and Edohana Sushi is one of them. Kampai (Cheers) and enjoy!

“Sonny’s Diner” Restaurant Review… (Writing for PR & Promo)

Sometimes you just crave a particular kind of food and while often I am known to almost always favor sushi, my taste-buds will occasionally desire other flavors. Yesterday was that day and along with my fiance and roommates we walked about a block and nestled in the upscale stretch of Camp Bowie Blvd. (just off of Interstate 30 in Fort Worth, Texas) near Le Madeline’s, Cafe Aspen, and other dining locations, is the shining beacon of low cost culinary perfection and simplicity known as Sonny’s Diner. Sonny’s is by far one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area and in my humble opinion could be the best that I have ever had.

Although Sonny’s Diner has only been around since 2006, it has been the dream and labor of love for both Sonny Vuong and the entire Vuong family for a long time and their popularity has grown above expectations over the last few years. Where the best of the Vuong’s family recipes are brought to the table they prove committed to present their visitors the best of Asian cuisine made with the finest ingredients, served with quality, and expeditious service. Whether visitors stop by for a quick lunch or a quality family dinner, Sonny’s Diner provides their customers with delicious meals and satisfying dinning experiences.

Adding a bit more perspective, the most expensive meal is only 12 dollars, a very affordable and far comparison to other restaurants in the area.  Most entrées range more between six to eight dollars and you are prepared a very hearty serving that, at least for myself, will you almost never finish and may have to take what is left-over back home. I ordered the Pho with shrimp.

Pronounced “fuh” in English, Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle dish composed of a thin white rice noodle in a clear beef broth, with options of adding thin cuts of beef, tendon, tripe, meatballs, or other ingredients, in addition to or for the more Vegetarian inclined, such as broccoli, green onions, white onions, cilantro, basil leaves, lemon or lime, bean sprouts, or chilies. Word of warning, some of the dishes can be considered “spicy,” so pay attention to what you are ordering, but if you are like me and love that kind of food, then your options are vast in choosing. The ingredients of every dish are fresh, low in fat, and cooked to perfection. In addition to the dish, for my beverage I ordered the Piña Colada smoothie, which is very delightful, tasteful, and a perfect cool-down for the Texas heat. Although, you have many choices of other smoothies, alcoholic beverages, and a tea beverage of recent East Asian origin that derives its name from the fact that it is shaken before serving and produces a frothy, or bubbly texture known as Boba tea. Also referred to as “Bubble” tea, it generally contains chewy tapioca balls (boba), or “pearls,” and the beverage is consumed with the use of a wide straw.

If you are in the mood to try something new or love the fine-dining of Asian cuisine, then I highly recommend Sonny’s Diner where your meals are offered up in a setting that screams out harmony and inner peace. Perhaps ‘scream’ is the wrong word when describing harmony and peace, but the place is spotlessly clean, service is subtle and prompt, and the food is fresh and delicious.

“The Ugly Truth” Movie Review… (Writing for PR & Promo)

The wonderful smell of pop-corn fills the air and with a few concession items in hand, my girlfriend and I are out on a date to see a movie. The worthy viewing choice? None other than “The Ugly Truth,” a wonderfully entertaining romantic comedy about the battle of the sexes. Can you handle the truth?

Mike Alexander – a chauvinistic morning talk-show commentator, played by Gerard Butler (300, Phantom of the Opera) – host a segment known as “The Ugly Truth,” where he dishes out the hardcore truth about the relationship between men and women and what makes them tick. Abby – an aggressive, list-making, type-A personality, television producer, played by Katherine Heigl (Grey’s Anatomy, Knocked Up) – is a woman who just cannot seem to find her perfect guy. After verbally sparing on-air when Abby calls in to Mike’s show, she finds herself having to work side-by-side with him when her boss teams them up to help bring ratings up for their show.

Curiosity got the best of me before deciding to write this review as I was wondering what other reviews were out there that were written by men. Turns out that there is a lot of them. Not surprising is it that I discovered most of them either gave it a bad or very mediocre review. The ugly truth for them? They can’t handle the truth. Why is that you wonder? Probably because they saw the ugly truth in themselves and are just trying to deny it by lashing out on the movie itself. A quality I seem to notice a lot about movie reviewers (more on this another time).

You want it from a real mans point of view? While the story-line and dialogue are quite predictable, in the same vein as “How to Loose a Guy in 10 Days,” and where there are some very over-the-top moments where the truth is stretched, there are actually a lot of good things about this movie. Now, it makes sense that like most “chick-flicks,”  a lot of women will and most guys just will not like it, but I bet the secure and more mindfully aware they are of themselves, those are the ones who will enjoy it. The whole concept of the story is written and designed to make the viewer think and feel just a little uncomfortable, because let’s face it, at some point in your life you have have known someone just like the characters or you yourself are or once were those people. I know that I have. You can deny it all you want, but that is the ugly truth.

Yes the movie pokes fun of stereotypes. Yes, it is cheesy. It is a romantic comedy! That is what it is suppose to be like. Even though one could pick it apart from a cinematic point of view, the ugly truth is that most people do not go to see movies to analyze them, they go for the experience and emotions that they give to us. I recommend this movie. Ladies – most of you will like it if you are into romantic comedies and fun stuff as such, Guys – own up, be a man, admit and enjoy it.  Though I especially recommend couples go see it – you will have many fun things to talk about afterward if you are a good communicator. I promise you this – you will laugh and you will enjoy this movie very much, if you can accept The Ugly Truth.

Blog Posting & Random Review… (Writing for PR & Promo)

Since I already have a WordPress blog and really only tend to use it for school purposes, this will begin the first of many post for the “Writing for Public Relations and Promotions” class that I am currently taking at the Art Institute of Dallas.

This first post is a bit generic. As time goes by, I will write about more things that appeal to me. Honestly my interest in writing is, for the most part, purely inspirational and many times sporadic and spontaneous. Do not get me wrong though, I do like to write and will put a few words to paper of things that are in my head more often than not. Actually, that is not entirely true. I rarely write on paper anymore. Most of my writing is done on computer through a word processing program these days. There are a couple of reasons for this, one is convenience. However, if inspiration does ever hit me, whatever is around to write on and take with me will do just fine because I always have something to write with. Another reason is that I suffered a hand injury a while back ago that when writing for long periods of time will cause my hand to start hurting.

Speaking of inspirations, as I am writing this, there is a show that I have playing in the background of my computer on Hulu.com called “Built to Shred” and I am reminded of a time past. Built To Shred is a television show that airs on FuleTV and it is the first build-and-ride sports show featuring top skateboarders and action sports riders.  Each episode features host Jeff King, a professional skateboarder who is most famous for building obstacles for skateboarding and other action sports in unusual places or out of unusual objects. He works closely with the pros of different sports to design, build, and shred the most original obstacles ever made. Far-fetched ideas become shreddable realities as riders create legendary terrain and pull off tricks that have never before been done.

I mentioned earlier that this show reminds me of a time past. I would have to say the reason for this is that the show perfectly epitomizes the things that friends and myself use to do as kids. Not being able to afford most materials to build ramps, launches, and rails we would literally build obstacles from scrap wood, metal, appliances, and just about anything we could imagine would make a good surface to try out tricks on. We were more likely the reason for all of the “No Skateboarding” signs that went up all over our town and they did not just mean on the sidewalks either.

“Built to Shred” is highly recommended viewing to those of you who are or were ever a skateboarder, biker, rollerblader, or even snowboarder. You will have the opportunity to see some of the most awesome and sick tricks performed on everyday materials.

So there you have it. Just as I said from the beginning, writing for me is usually based on spontaneous inspiration and I would say the same goes for my art. Overall, since I do not really blog very much, I am looking forward to observing what develops in my writing though this blog and see what things I will learn by taking this class.